Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A depth camera assembly (DCA) comprising: an illumination source comprising a plurality of emitters including a first emitter and a second emitter on a single substrate, the illumination source configured to project light into a local area using two or more of the plurality of emitters, the illumination source further comprising: a first diffractive optical element corresponding to the first emitter, the first emitter configured to generate a first structured light pattern using the first diffractive optical element, and a second diffractive optical element corresponding to the second emitter, the second emitter configured to generate a second structured light pattern using the second diffractive optical element, wherein the illumination source is configured to activate the first emitter and second emitter separately, or activate the first and second emitters concurrently to produce a light pattern that combines the first and second structured light patterns, and wherein the first structured light pattern is a dot pattern and the second structured light pattern is a bar pattern; an imaging device configured to capture images of the local area illuminated with the light from the illumination source; and a controller configured to determine depth information for objects in the local area using the images from the imaging device.
2. The DCA of claim 1 , wherein the DCA is part of a head mounted display (HMD) comprising: an electronic display element configured to display a virtual object based in part on the depth information; and an optics block configured to direct light from the electronic display element to an exit pupil of the HMD.
This invention relates to depth camera assemblies (DCAs) used in head-mounted displays (HMDs) for augmented or virtual reality applications. The problem addressed is the need for accurate depth sensing to render virtual objects realistically in a user's field of view. The DCA captures depth information of the real-world environment, which is then used to display virtual objects at correct depths relative to the real world. The HMD includes an electronic display element that renders virtual objects based on this depth data, ensuring proper occlusion and spatial alignment. An optics block directs the displayed light to the HMD's exit pupil, ensuring the user perceives the virtual content with accurate depth perception. The DCA's integration with the HMD enables seamless blending of virtual and real-world elements, enhancing immersion. The system may also include additional components like image sensors or processors to refine depth data or adjust display parameters dynamically. This approach improves the realism and usability of HMDs by ensuring virtual objects appear at the correct depth relative to the physical environment.
3. The DCA of claim 1 , wherein neighboring emitters of the plurality of emitters are separated by a same distance.
This invention relates to a distributed communication architecture (DCA) for managing data transmission in a network with multiple emitters. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and reliable data distribution in systems where multiple emitters must coordinate their transmissions to avoid interference and ensure data integrity. The DCA includes a plurality of emitters, each configured to transmit data to a receiver. The emitters are arranged in a structured manner to optimize signal propagation and minimize collisions. In this specific embodiment, neighboring emitters are separated by a uniform distance to ensure consistent signal strength and reduce interference. This uniform spacing helps maintain synchronization and improves overall network performance by preventing overlapping signals from adjacent emitters. The system may also include a controller to manage the timing and coordination of transmissions, ensuring that data is relayed efficiently without conflicts. The uniform separation between emitters enhances scalability and reliability, making the system suitable for applications requiring precise data distribution, such as sensor networks, wireless communication systems, or distributed computing environments. The invention aims to provide a robust framework for managing multiple emitters in a coordinated manner, improving data transmission efficiency and reducing errors.
4. The DCA of claim 1 , wherein at least one set of neighboring emitters are separated by a different distance than another set of neighboring emitters in the plurality of emitters.
This invention relates to a distributed computing architecture (DCA) for managing a plurality of emitters, such as sensors or actuators, in a networked system. The problem addressed is the need for flexible and efficient emitter arrangements to optimize performance, reduce interference, or adapt to environmental constraints. Traditional systems often use uniform spacing between emitters, which may not be optimal for all applications. The invention improves upon prior art by introducing a DCA where at least one set of neighboring emitters is separated by a different distance than another set of neighboring emitters. This non-uniform spacing allows for customization based on specific requirements, such as signal strength, power efficiency, or physical constraints. The emitters may be arranged in a grid, array, or other configuration, with adjustable distances between them to enhance functionality. The system may also include a controller to dynamically adjust emitter spacing based on real-time conditions, ensuring optimal performance. This approach enables better coverage, reduced interference, and improved adaptability compared to fixed-spacing systems. The invention is applicable in fields like wireless communication, sensor networks, and industrial automation.
5. The DCA of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to: activate the first emitter to emit light for a first period of time that is used to generate the first structured light pattern in the local area using the first diffractive optical element; and activate the second emitter to emit light for a second period of time that is subsequent to the first period of time, the emitted light being used to generate the second structured light pattern in the local area using the second diffractive optical element.
This invention relates to a depth camera assembly (DCA) for generating structured light patterns in a local area to facilitate depth sensing. The system addresses the challenge of accurately capturing depth information in dynamic environments by using multiple structured light patterns to improve measurement precision and robustness. The DCA includes a first emitter and a second emitter, each paired with a diffractive optical element (DOE). The first emitter emits light through the first DOE to generate a first structured light pattern in the local area. The second emitter emits light through the second DOE to generate a second structured light pattern, but only after the first pattern has been projected. The timing of the emissions ensures that the patterns are generated sequentially rather than simultaneously, allowing for clearer depth data acquisition. The controller within the DCA manages the activation of the emitters, ensuring the first emitter operates for a defined first period before the second emitter activates for a subsequent second period. This staggered emission prevents interference between the patterns, enhancing the accuracy of depth measurements. The system is particularly useful in applications requiring high-resolution depth sensing, such as augmented reality, robotics, and autonomous navigation.
6. The DCA of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to: activate the first emitter and the second emitter to emit light for a period of time, the emitted light being used to generate structured light patterns.
This invention relates to a dynamic calibration apparatus (DCA) for structured light systems, which are used in applications like 3D scanning, depth sensing, or augmented reality. The core problem addressed is ensuring accurate calibration of multiple light emitters in such systems to maintain precision in generating structured light patterns over time. The DCA includes a controller that manages at least two emitters (a first and a second emitter) to emit light for a defined period. The emitted light is used to create structured light patterns, which are essential for depth perception and spatial mapping. The controller is configured to activate both emitters simultaneously or in sequence, depending on the calibration requirements. This activation ensures that the emitters produce consistent and synchronized light patterns, which are critical for accurate depth sensing and 3D reconstruction. The system may also include additional components, such as sensors or calibration targets, to verify the alignment and performance of the emitters. The controller adjusts the emitters' output based on feedback from these components, ensuring long-term stability and accuracy. This dynamic calibration process compensates for environmental factors, component aging, or mechanical shifts, maintaining the system's reliability over extended use. The invention is particularly useful in industrial, medical, or consumer electronics applications where precise 3D imaging is required.
7. The DCA of claim 1 , wherein each emitter emits light described by one or more characteristics selected from a group consisting of: polarization, range of wavelengths, amplitude, temporal modulation, some other feature that describes emitted light, and some combination thereof.
This invention relates to a distributed computing architecture (DCA) for controlling light emitters in a system. The system addresses the challenge of precisely managing light emission characteristics to achieve desired illumination or sensing outcomes. The DCA coordinates multiple emitters to produce light with specific properties, such as polarization, wavelength range, amplitude, temporal modulation, or other distinguishing features. Each emitter can be individually configured to emit light with one or more of these characteristics, allowing for flexible and adaptive control. The architecture enables dynamic adjustments to light properties in real-time, improving performance in applications like imaging, communication, or environmental sensing. By leveraging distributed computing, the system efficiently processes and distributes control signals to the emitters, ensuring synchronized and coordinated light emission. The invention enhances precision and versatility in light-based systems, enabling advanced functionalities such as selective illumination, dynamic beam shaping, or encoded light transmission. The DCA's ability to manage diverse light characteristics makes it suitable for applications requiring high control over emitted light properties.
8. The DCA of claim 7 , wherein the characteristics of the emitted light for each of the plurality of emitters are the same.
This invention relates to a distributed color array (DCA) system for generating light with uniform characteristics. The system addresses the challenge of achieving consistent light output across multiple emitters, which is critical in applications requiring precise color and intensity control, such as displays, lighting, and imaging systems. The DCA includes a plurality of emitters, each configured to emit light with specific characteristics. These characteristics, such as wavelength, intensity, and spectral distribution, are designed to be identical across all emitters. This uniformity ensures that the combined light output from the array maintains consistent properties, eliminating variations that could degrade performance or visual quality. The emitters may be arranged in a structured pattern to optimize light distribution and minimize interference. The system may also include control mechanisms to adjust the emitters' output dynamically, ensuring sustained uniformity even under varying operating conditions. This approach enhances reliability and precision in applications where light consistency is paramount. By standardizing the emitted light characteristics, the invention improves the performance of systems relying on uniform illumination, such as high-resolution displays, medical imaging devices, and advanced lighting solutions. The solution eliminates the need for complex calibration or compensation mechanisms, simplifying design and reducing costs.
9. The DCA of claim 7 , wherein at least one of the characteristics of the emitted light from an emitter of the plurality of emitters is different from a corresponding characteristic of another emitter of the plurality of emitters.
This invention relates to a digital current adjustment (DCA) system for controlling light emitters, such as LEDs, to address issues like color uniformity, brightness variation, and power efficiency in lighting applications. The system dynamically adjusts current supplied to each emitter in a plurality of emitters to compensate for variations in their electrical or optical characteristics, ensuring consistent performance across the array. The DCA includes a controller that measures or receives data on emitter characteristics, such as forward voltage, luminous flux, or wavelength, and adjusts current levels accordingly. The system may also incorporate feedback mechanisms to monitor real-time performance and make continuous adjustments. A key feature is that at least one characteristic of the emitted light from one emitter differs from a corresponding characteristic of another emitter in the plurality. This allows for compensation of inherent differences between emitters, such as variations in color temperature, brightness, or spectral output, ensuring uniform light emission across the array. The system can be applied in displays, lighting panels, or other applications requiring precise control over multiple emitters. The invention improves efficiency, reduces manufacturing costs by relaxing emitter binning requirements, and enhances visual quality by minimizing perceptible differences between emitters.
10. The DCA of claim 1 , wherein: the plurality of emitters on the single substrate share an optical path such that light emitting from different emitters passes through a common optical element.
This invention relates to a distributed coupling architecture (DCA) for optical systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently combining light from multiple emitters on a single substrate while minimizing optical losses and complexity. The system includes a plurality of emitters integrated onto a single substrate, where each emitter generates light that is directed through a shared optical path. A common optical element, such as a lens, mirror, or waveguide, is positioned to receive and process light from all emitters, ensuring that the emitted light follows a unified optical path. This design reduces the need for individual optical components per emitter, simplifying the system and improving alignment accuracy. The shared optical path enhances efficiency by minimizing beam divergence and optimizing coupling into downstream optical components, such as fibers or detectors. The architecture is particularly useful in high-density optical systems, such as optical interconnects, sensors, or communication devices, where space constraints and performance are critical. By consolidating the optical path, the invention improves scalability and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining high optical performance.
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November 3, 2020
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